Pyelonephritis (Bacterial Infection of the Renal Pelvis) in cats
- Occurrence: common
- Location of illness: Abdomen/pelvis
Pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection of the renal pelvis in cats that can lead to serious kidney problems if not treated promptly.
The most important facts at a glance
Pyelonephritis in cats is a bacterial inflammation of the renal pelvis and kidney tissue that can be acute or chronic. Common pathogens are Escherichia coli, staphylococci, and streptococci, which ascend into the kidneys via the Urinary tract infection. Risk factors include Urinary tract infection obstructions caused by stones or Tumors and a weakened immune system, especially in older or sick cats. Female cats are more susceptible to these infections due to their anatomy. Symptoms include Fever, bloody and foul-smelling urine, abdominal and Back pain, and difficulty urinating. Diagnosis is made through clinical examinations, urine tests, and imaging procedures. The main treatment consists of administering antibiotics based on urine cultures and can be supplemented by fluid therapy and Pain relievers. Surgical interventions are rarely necessary. The prognosis is usually good if the infection is detected and treated early. Prevention includes regular veterinary check-ups, hygiene, adequate hydration, and a balanced diet. For outdoor cats, it is important to keep them away from potential sources of infection. Neutering can reduce the risk of Urinary tract infection problems. If there are signs of a Urinary tract infection, a veterinarian should be consulted early to avoid complications.
Causes
Pyelonephritis in cats is an inflammation of the renal pelvis and kidney tissue caused by a bacterial infection. This disease can be both acute and chronic. It is often the result of an ascending infection, in which bacteria enter the kidneys via the Urinary tract infection.
The most common bacteria that cause pyelonephritis include Escherichia coli, staphylococci, and streptococci. These microorganisms often enter the bladder via the urethra and can ascend from there into the kidneys. Factors that increase the risk of pyelonephritis include Urinary tract infection obstructions, such as may occur with urinary stones or Tumors, as well as chronic kidney diseases that weaken the cat’s immune system.
Another important aspect is the anatomy of the cat. Female cats are more susceptible to Urinary tract infections, which can lead to pyelonephritis, due to their shorter and wider urethra. Older cats or those with a weakened immune system, for example due to other diseases or a generally poor state of health, are also at higher risk.
Symptoms
The symptoms of pyelonephritis in cats can vary depending on whether the infection is acute or chronic. In acute cases, cats often show clear signs of discomfort. These include Fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, and Pain in the abdominal area. The cats may also show frequent urination, Pain when urinating, or blood in the urine.
In chronic pyelonephritis, the symptoms are often less obvious and can occur insidiously. Affected cats may show Weight loss, increased thirst, and frequent urination. Vomiting and dehydration are also possible signs. Since these symptoms can also occur with other diseases, an accurate diagnosis by a veterinarian is required.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of pyelonephritis usually begins with a thorough clinical examination by the veterinarian. The cat’s clinical symptoms are assessed, and a complete history is taken. To confirm the diagnosis, special tests are necessary.
A urine status and urine culture are crucial diagnostic tools. These tests can detect the presence of bacteria, blood, or white blood cells in the urine, which indicate an infection. A urine culture also helps to identify the specific bacterium that is causing the infection and to determine the appropriate antibiotic treatment.
In addition, blood tests can be performed to check kidney function and rule out other possible causes for the symptoms. Imaging procedures such as ultrasound or X-rays of the kidneys can also be used to identify structural abnormalities or obstructions that could be causing the pyelonephritis.
Therapy
The treatment for pyelonephritis in cats primarily involves administering antibiotics to combat the bacterial infection. The choice of antibiotic is usually based on the results of the urine culture to enable targeted therapy. Treatment often lasts several weeks to ensure that all bacteria are eliminated and a relapse is avoided.
In addition to antibiotic therapy, supportive treatment may be necessary, especially in cats that are dehydrated or severely weakened. In such cases, intravenous fluid therapy may be required to stabilize fluid and electrolyte balance. Pain relievers can also be administered to alleviate the cat’s discomfort.
In severe cases, or if complications such as Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) are present, surgical intervention may be necessary. This decision depends on the specific situation and the overall health of the cat.
Prognosis and follow-up care
The prognosis for cats with pyelonephritis depends on various factors, including the severity of the infection, the general health of the cat, and the speed of treatment. In most cases, especially if the infection is detected early and treated appropriately, the prognosis is good, and most cats recover completely.
In chronic or recurrent infections, the prognosis may be less favorable, especially if kidney function is significantly impaired. In such cases, long-term treatment may be required, and the cat may need to be regularly monitored by a veterinarian to check kidney function and ensure that no further complications arise.
Prevention
Preventing pyelonephritis in cats requires comprehensive care and monitoring of their health. Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial to detect and treat possible infections early. It is particularly important to maintain hygiene in the cat’s living environment to minimize the risk of bacterial infections. This includes regular cleaning of the litter box as well as the food and water bowls.
A balanced diet supports the cat’s immune system and can help prevent Urinary tract infections. Make sure your cat has access to fresh water at all times to ensure adequate fluid intake, as this flushes the Urinary tract infection and reduces the risk of infections.
It is also advisable to keep the cat away from potential sources of infection, especially if it is an outdoor cat. Neutering can also be helpful as it reduces the risk of Urinary tract infection problems. If there are initial signs of a Urinary tract infection, such as frequent urination or blood in the urine, a veterinarian should be consulted immediately to enable early treatment and avoid complications.